VQ40DE timing chain replacement - secondary tensioners required?

[atraudes]

Hey all,

My buddy and I are going to be replacing the secondary chains, guides, etc on his 07 Xterra because he's got that famous not-supercharger whine. I've done a fair bit of reading up on the procedure and what people ran into, but one thing is bugging me and isn't talked about much. We're going to replace all three chains and all guides, primary tensioner, water pump, amongst other things, but I'm on the fence about whether to plan to replace the secondary tensioners. Most people seem to get away with not, but this one's been run for a couple years this way so I'm wondering if it's going to be necessary.

I was wondering who here has replaced the secondary tensioners as part of the procedure, and what was your experience with how they looked when you got eyes on them. Has anyone found any wear on them? Also, replacing them will require pulling the valve covers and a second timing chain cover, right?

Any insight is greatly appreciated!

TIA

[PalmerWMD]

I realize this hits a bit late but have you inspected them?
The proof is often in the pudding..

[FrenchPople]

Water pump isnt a bad idea but not necessary. Its rare for a VQ water pump to fail. As for all the guides and tensioners it is a great idea to do. The original problem is the secondary chains being to sharp and wearing the guides down. The fix is a updated guide and chain for the secondary. Also the front timing cover needs to come off. The valve covers would be a good idea as well so you can hold the cams when torquing the cam pulley.

Make sure you take your time as it is a tedious job.